Teratoma Of Testis: Spontaneous Disappearance Of Lung Metastases
British Medical Journal 1: 1947; 411
View Original Source →Abstract
Spontaneous regression of metastatic neoplasia is rare. A review of previously reported spontaneous regressions of testicular cancer indicates that in no case has such a patient had a prior, concurrent, or subsequent contralateral tumor. The case presented is unusual because it is the first instance of bilateral sequential testicular cancer in which spontaneous regression of metastases from one of the tumors has been noted. Together with a previous report of a spontaneous regression of testicular cancer which occurred only after a second orchiectomy, the present case suggests the possibility of hormonal modulation of tumor growth.
Case Details
Personal Characteristics
A youth aged 16, employed in a bakery and later in an aeroplane factory, did casual work on a farm
Clinical Characteristics
Swelling of the right testicle, size of a jaffa orange, heavy, painless, slightly tender, thickened skin, indefinite swelling in the abdomen, multiple, circular, sharply defined opacities in the lungs, varying sizes, largest and most numerous in the lower zones, no surrounding lung reaction, no evidence of tuberculosis, no enlarged mediastinal glands, testicular tumour varied in size, softer tumour, slightly fluctuant, larger than in 1941, small opacity in the left lower zone, abdominal mass palpated under anaesthetic, breaking-down tumour, yellowish in colour, with many cysts and cartilaginous nodules
Remission Characteristics
Complete disappearance of all the other metastases, general condition improved, with increase of appetite and weight, no evidence of abnormality in the chest
Treatment & Mechanisms
Proposed Remission Mechanisms
Not discussed
Clinical Treatment
Right orchidectomy was performed, the cord being attached to the internal abdominal ring
Additional Notes
Deep x-ray therapy was not given. There was no treatment of any description before the spontaneous disappearance of lung metastases. The patient breathed an atmosphere containing duralumin dust while working in an aeroplane factory